LongHorn Steakhouse — Restaurant in Burlington

On Saturday, September 23, I felt extremely uncomfortable and discriminated against at Longhorns in Burlington, NC. My children and I were seated in a booth towards the back of the restaurant, near the kitchen and bathrooms. Shortly after we were seated, I noticed my server repeatedly going back and forth from the kitchen, addressing multiple guests in the same section as us. About 10 minutes later, another server approached our table and asked me what I would like to drink. I was informed the server that my assigned server was busy but would be with us shortly. I ordered a Texas margarita, my youngest son ordered a lemonade, and my oldest son ordered a water. A couple of minutes later, the server brought out the waters and lemonade, informing me that my assigned server would bring the margarita. I agreed and patiently waited as she attended to her other tables. However, my assigned server never acknowledged me despite passing by my table multiple times. Finally, I had to get her attention by saying, "excuse me," and asked if she could please bring us some bread. She apologized and said she would be right out after getting the margarita and bread. When she finally came to the table, she rudely asked what we would like to eat. I placed our order and continued to observe her actions. A few minutes later, another table was seated in her section. In my order, I also requested a salad, which typically comes out to the table as an appetizer. However, it was never brought to our table. Interestingly, as soon as another table was seated in my assigned server's section, she immediately approached them, asking for their drink orders and if they wanted an appetizer. She assured them that she would be right back to fulfill their request. After checking on all her tables, asking if they needed refills or bread, she once again bypassed my table without any acknowledgement. Feeling frustrated, I asked her if she could please cancel my order since I was extremely dissatisfied with the service I was receiving. She agreed to cancel it without acknowledging her actions and called a manager over. When the manager arrived, they asked if I wanted a new server but failed to acknowledge, apologize, or take any responsibility for how I was treated. I informed the manager that I didn't want a new server; instead, I wanted to pay for our drinks and leave. The manager attempted to offer me a discount on the food, but that wasn't the point. I simply wanted to be treated with respect and dignity, which I was not. I cannot recommend visiting this establishment until this issue is addressed...

Usually love more than our go to steak place Sunday afternoon at about 4:30 we were able to get right in with call ahead seating which was perfect then things just did not go well after that. We were there to celebrate my daughter's baptism. we ordered a filet and lobster tail combo, baked potato and a Cesar salad for my daughter. I ordered a ribeye, with loaded BP and broccoli my wife didn't feel well so she only wanted a hot French onion soup. We also got an order of the onion petals for an appetizer. Drinks came out after about 10 minutes( our server had a 10 person table behind us) appetizer came out quickly though. Bread was amazing as usual. After that things went downhill. Steaks were ordered medium, both came out well done, no pink at all. Lobster tail was decent. My potato didn't come out and I waited about 5 minutes until the manager was walking by and asked him to get me one please( our server was MIA) got the potato about 5 minutes later (cold). The worst part was the soup. Yes the cheese was melted in to from the broiler but the soup felt like it came right out of the fridge, we sent it back to be warmed up, came back out lukewarm at best. ( please note Longhorn kitchen staff, just because the cheese is melted doesn't mean the soup is hot.) Usually they do better here, they weren't that busy, but being we were that for a special occasion we were overall disappointed with the very poor service and food quality this time. Even when trying to flag our server down for our check and a box to take home the leftover meat for the dog took an inordinate amount of time. Every meal the kitchen makes should be treated as if it is that guest's first time ever at a longhorn and should be done to impress. Even when we were paying the check since our server was still missing in action I had to give it to the manager and when I told him that this was probably the worst service we've ever had at this restaurant he just kind of gave me that shoulder shrug like oh well, it just didn't seem like he cared. Like I said overall we were very disappointed with this visit especially since it was supposed to be a special occasion for...

Great food, service excellent & did not feel rushed to complete the meal & get lost. Never ran out of water, food was tasty & hot & the coffee & dessert was to die for. Recommend & will be a must stop whenever I come to Burlington NC. Thanks to the staff, cooks, & everyone that it takes to run this restaurant successfully. You are 10 stars all the way!

Returned afternoon 30 January 2018, and it was as different as night and day.

I nearly walked out before seating.

I was alone and first thing, even though it was off hours, the hostess asked if I would mind sitting at the bar.

I did actually. I had no one else with me and I do not believe in drinking a DROP of alcohol and driving (years ago I had a friend die in a DUI car accident)

I did not need temptation right there in front of me.

So when I declined she got huffy, then informed me it would be 15 minutes or more before I can get a table elsewhere.

The tables were not dirty, there was more than one server on duty (in contrast to her statement there was only one wait staff employee working.)

It was a forced hand move on her part to make me go to the bar....

So instead of doing what I should have, which was leave, I acquiesced and went to the bar.

The waitress made up for the hostess (using that term very loosely) being snarky towards me.

I tipped her almost 50% for being so nice.

If anyone at Longhorn works there should happen to read this review.....

If a solo customer does not want to sit on the bar area, do not assume it is a problem with being a solo diner... or the diner thinking they deserve special treatment.

Do not try and punish someone for not wanting to sit at the bar..

Your patrons deserve better.

I will most likely not return to this restaurant in the future.

Changing my original five stars to one for this so...